Residents of Anapa, a southern city in Russia, participated in traditional Epiphany rituals by immersing themselves in local waters, which have been contaminated due to a significant oil spill. This annual event, celebrated on January 19 by Orthodox Christians, typically involves plunging into icy bodies of water to commemorate the occasion. Despite the ongoing environmental crisis caused by an oil spill that has impacted hundreds of kilometers of coastline, the city's festivities proceeded as planned. Anapa officials confirmed that the beach activities took place, even as heavy fuel oil continued to wash ashore following a storm on December 15 that affected two aging tankers in the Kerch Strait. The regional task force responsible for the cleanup shared videos on social media showing participants entering the water under the cover of night. One individual claimed that the water appeared clear and inviting, despite the pollution concerns. The Epiphany ceremony, led by a priest with lifeguard support, aimed to ensure the safety of those participating in the ritual. Prior to the event, officials stated that water quality assessments had been conducted. However, shortly after the dips, the task force reported that a storm had introduced new oil remnants onto Anapa's shoreline. Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled the oil spill as one of the most pressing environmental issues the nation has encountered in recent years, citing the death of numerous birds and marine life as a consequence. In mid-January, the government announced that approximately 2,400 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, had been released into the environment by the two tankers, which were carrying a combined total of 9,200 tonnes. Further complicating the situation, one of the affected vessels developed an additional leak, exacerbating the pollution in the region. The nature of mazut makes it particularly challenging to clean, as it does not float on the water's surface. In response to the crisis, thousands of volunteers have engaged in cleanup efforts, successfully collecting over 168,000 tonnes of polluted soil and sand from the beaches. However, the regional health ministry reported that around 150 volunteers have sought medical assistance, with three individuals requiring hospitalization, underscoring the health risks associated with the cleanup operation.